Episode 141 -Breaking Barriers: Desiree Horton's Path to Becoming a Fire Pilot Part I

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!In this two-part series, we sit down to talk with Capt Lee Majors from the Leon County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) in Florida.The LCSO has operated helicopters in support of law enforcement and public safety efforts in Tallahassee, Leon County, and the surrounding area since 1974. For the first 25 or so years, LCSO operated the only law enforcement helicopter in the Florida panhandle. Today, the LCSO Aviation Bureau is often modeled by other agencies, and is the primary Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force aviation response unit for the region. Majors is a lifelong resident of Tallahassee, with a rich history of service in law enforcement aviation and community involvement. His journey with the LCSO began as a volunteer in 1985 when he joined the LCSO C.B. Posse, steadily rising through the ranks to the position of lieutenant. In 1989, while still serving in the posse, he volunteered at aviation as a reserve tactical flight officer, showcasing his dedication to public safety aviation. In January 2000, his commitment was recognized when he was hired as a full-time employee into the aviation unit. Over the years, Majors has played pivotal roles within the LCSO, including being promoted to sergeant in 2014 and assuming command of the aviation unit. Throughout his tenure, Majors has spearheaded numerous initiatives and achievements within the LCSO. He was instrumental in procuring and outfitting the new Bell 505 helicopter, marking the first new aircraft purchased for the unit since its inception in 1974. Additionally, he played a key role in establishing the LCSO/Tallahassee PD Aviation Task Force, expanding the reach and effectiveness of airborne law enforcement operations in Tallahassee/Leon County and beyond. Majors' expertise extends beyond the LCSO, as he is recognized as a subject matter expert in airborne law enforcement operations nationally. He has lent his technical and safety guidance to numerous agencies, assisting them with aviation unit start-ups and equipment procurement. Majors is a pilot with over 5,600 hours of logged pilot-in-command time. He holds Federal Aviation Administration certifications as an airline transport pilot, flight instructor for helicopters and single-engine land and sea airplanes, instrument flight instructor, and advanced ground school instructor, among others. Outside of his professional endeavors, Majors is actively involved in various organizations and community initiatives. He serves on the board of directors for the Airborne Public Safety Association, where he currently holds the position of treasurer. He also volunteers with organizations such as the Experimental Aircraft Association, Lively Technical College Airframe and Powerplant School Occupational Advisory Council, and the Boy Scouts of America. Majors' dedication to aviation safety, law enforcement, and community service has made a lasting impact on the public safety aviation community worldwide.Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America, Trakka Systems and Greenwich AeroGroup

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!In this two-part series, we sit down to talk with Capt Lee Majors from the Leon County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) in Florida.The LCSO has operated helicopters in support of law enforcement and public safety efforts in Tallahassee, Leon County, and the surrounding area since 1974. For the first 25 or so years, LCSO operated the only law enforcement helicopter in the Florida panhandle. Today, the LCSO Aviation Bureau is often modeled by other agencies, and is the primary Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force aviation response unit for the region. Majors is a lifelong resident of Tallahassee, with a rich history of service in law enforcement aviation and community involvement. His journey with the LCSO began as a volunteer in 1985 when he joined the LCSO C.B. Posse, steadily rising through the ranks to the position of lieutenant. In 1989, while still serving in the posse, he volunteered at aviation as a reserve tactical flight officer, showcasing his dedication to public safety aviation. In January 2000, his commitment was recognized when he was hired as a full-time employee into the aviation unit. Over the years, Majors has played pivotal roles within the LCSO, including being promoted to sergeant in 2014 and assuming command of the aviation unit. Throughout his tenure, Majors has spearheaded numerous initiatives and achievements within the LCSO. He was instrumental in procuring and outfitting the new Bell 505 helicopter, marking the first new aircraft purchased for the unit since its inception in 1974. Additionally, he played a key role in establishing the LCSO/Tallahassee PD Aviation Task Force, expanding the reach and effectiveness of airborne law enforcement operations in Tallahassee/Leon County and beyond. Majors' expertise extends beyond the LCSO, as he is recognized as a subject matter expert in airborne law enforcement operations nationally. He has lent his technical and safety guidance to numerous agencies, assisting them with aviation unit start-ups and equipment procurement. Majors is a pilot with over 5,600 hours of logged pilot-in-command time. He holds Federal Aviation Administration certifications as an airline transport pilot, flight instructor for helicopters and single-engine land and sea airplanes, instrument flight instructor, and advanced ground school instructor, among others. Outside of his professional endeavors, Majors is actively involved in various organizations and community initiatives. He serves on the board of directors for the Airborne Public Safety Association, where he currently holds the position of treasurer. He also volunteers with organizations such as the Experimental Aircraft Association, Lively Technical College Airframe and Powerplant School Occupational Advisory Council, and the Boy Scouts of America. Majors' dedication to aviation safety, law enforcement, and community service has made a lasting impact on the public safety aviation community worldwide.Thank you to our sponsors Becker Avionics, SHOTOVER and Bell 

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts! This will be another one of our Vertical Helicasts Mash-Up episodes with Halsey Schider from The Helicopter Podcast and Jason Quinn from the Real ResQ Podcast. In this episode we introduce our newest Vertical host, Val Medved, who will be hosting the new Vertical MRO Podcast—the first episode drops today. The Vertical MRO Podcast explores the world of helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul. The episodes feature helicopter technicians, mechanics engineers, and MRO experts who will share valuable industry insight, knowledge and stories that will inspire current and aspiring industry maintainers.  This podcast will be available on all the major podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. To find out more about the Vertical MRO Podcast go to VerticalHelicasts.com. Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group. 

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts! In this three-part series, Jeff Ratkovich and Jon Gray sit down with the industry's best airborne tactical instructors to discuss the importance of training and collaboration in the industry. This series has an all-star lineup up including Jack Schonely, Clay Lacey and Nick Minx.  Schonely spent over 30 years with the Los Angeles Police Department. He is a nationally recognized expert in suspect tactics and perimeter containment and is a sought-after tactical trainer. As you will quickly learn from his experience, he is uniquely qualified to instruct and write on perimeter containment, search techniques, tactics used by suspects, use of force, and a wide variety of aircrew topics. Schonely has participated in over 2,000 perimeter containments during his career, and he has seen many successes and failures. He has shared his experience with thousands of law enforcement officers across the world instructing on this topic. He is author of the book Apprehending Fleeing Suspects; Suspect Tactics and Perimeter Containment and has been published in numerous publications relating to this topic. We also get to hear from Lt Clay Lacey, who is currently employed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). In 2000, Lacey was specially assigned to the Texas DPS Aviation Operations Division as a task force tactical flight officer where he has worked hundreds of flights and thousands of hours in support of criminal manhunts, surveillance, search-and-rescue, vehicle pursuits, foot pursuits, and airborne use of force.  Lacey developed the Texas DPS technical flight officer (TFO) training program from the ground up and currently serves as a TFO instructor within the unit. Lacey teaches around the world on behalf of the Airborne Public Safety Association and individual law enforcement units seeking additional specialized instruction, authors equipment procurement and bid specifications for the Texas DPS, and serves as a consultant for companies conducting large-scale emergency management and preparedness planning throughout the United States. Last but not least is Minx, the owner of Tactical Flying. Minx manages day-to-day operations while playing an active role in training and development. A sworn officer for nearly 20 years with San Diego Police Department, Minx was assigned to SDPD’s Air Support Unit as a TFO in 2012, and has since become certified as a helicopter pilot. He has over 3,000 combined hours working both seats in an aircraft, and continues to hone his skills as a tactical operator and a cooperative member of an aircrew. In particular, Minx has always been fascinated by the study of suspect behavior. Using incident videos and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) finds, he compiles data to track patterns of movement in fleeing suspects, and applies this information toward the continuous improvement of techniques and training in suspect searches. As part of Tactical Flying, Minx has provided instruction to tactical flight operators in both domestic and international settings, with clients ranging from military and law enforcement officers to federal agencies. These great gentlemen are all also co-hosts on The Hangar Z Podcast, so look out for episodes where they share their knowledge and passion for the industry.Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing,  Robinson Helicopters

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts! In this three-part series, Jeff Ratkovich and Jon Gray sit down with the industry's best airborne tactical instructors to discuss the importance of training and collaboration in the industry. This series has an all-star lineup up including Jack Schonely, Clay Lacey and Nick Minx.  Schonely spent over 30 years with the Los Angeles Police Department. He is a nationally recognized expert in suspect tactics and perimeter containment and is a sought-after tactical trainer. As you will quickly learn from his experience, he is uniquely qualified to instruct and write on perimeter containment, search techniques, tactics used by suspects, use of force, and a wide variety of aircrew topics. Schonely has participated in over 2,000 perimeter containments during his career, and he has seen many successes and failures. He has shared his experience with thousands of law enforcement officers across the world instructing on this topic. He is author of the book Apprehending Fleeing Suspects; Suspect Tactics and Perimeter Containment and has been published in numerous publications relating to this topic. We also get to hear from Lt Clay Lacey, who is currently employed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). In 2000, Lacey was specially assigned to the Texas DPS Aviation Operations Division as a task force tactical flight officer where he has worked hundreds of flights and thousands of hours in support of criminal manhunts, surveillance, search-and-rescue, vehicle pursuits, foot pursuits, and airborne use of force.  Lacey developed the Texas DPS technical flight officer (TFO) training program from the ground up and currently serves as a TFO instructor within the unit. Lacey teaches around the world on behalf of the Airborne Public Safety Association and individual law enforcement units seeking additional specialized instruction, authors equipment procurement and bid specifications for the Texas DPS, and serves as a consultant for companies conducting large-scale emergency management and preparedness planning throughout the United States. Last but not least is Minx, the owner of Tactical Flying. Minx manages day-to-day operations while playing an active role in training and development. A sworn officer for nearly 20 years with San Diego Police Department, Minx was assigned to SDPD’s Air Support Unit as a TFO in 2012, and has since become certified as a helicopter pilot. He has over 3,000 combined hours working both seats in an aircraft, and continues to hone his skills as a tactical operator and a cooperative member of an aircrew. In particular, Minx has always been fascinated by the study of suspect behavior. Using incident videos and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) finds, he compiles data to track patterns of movement in fleeing suspects, and applies this information toward the continuous improvement of techniques and training in suspect searches. As part of Tactical Flying, Minx has provided instruction to tactical flight operators in both domestic and international settings, with clients ranging from military and law enforcement officers to federal agencies. These great gentlemen are all also co-hosts on The Hangar Z Podcast, so look out for episodes where they share their knowledge and passion for the industry.Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics, SHOTOVER and Robinson Helicopters

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts! In this three-part series, Jeff Ratkovich and Jon Gray sit down with the industry's best airborne tactical instructors to discuss the importance of training and collaboration in the industry. This series has an all-star lineup up including Jack Schonely, Clay Lacey and Nick Minx.  Schonely spent over 30 years with the Los Angeles Police Department. He is a nationally recognized expert in suspect tactics and perimeter containment and is a sought-after tactical trainer. As you will quickly learn from his experience, he is uniquely qualified to instruct and write on perimeter containment, search techniques, tactics used by suspects, use of force, and a wide variety of aircrew topics. Schonely has participated in over 2,000 perimeter containments during his career, and he has seen many successes and failures. He has shared his experience with thousands of law enforcement officers across the world instructing on this topic. He is author of the book Apprehending Fleeing Suspects; Suspect Tactics and Perimeter Containment and has been published in numerous publications relating to this topic. We also get to hear from Lt Clay Lacey, who is currently employed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). In 2000, Lacey was specially assigned to the Texas DPS Aviation Operations Division as a task force tactical flight officer where he has worked hundreds of flights and thousands of hours in support of criminal manhunts, surveillance, search-and-rescue, vehicle pursuits, foot pursuits, and airborne use of force.  Lacey developed the Texas DPS technical flight officer (TFO) training program from the ground up and currently serves as a TFO instructor within the unit. Lacey teaches around the world on behalf of the Airborne Public Safety Association and individual law enforcement units seeking additional specialized instruction, authors equipment procurement and bid specifications for the Texas DPS, and serves as a consultant for companies conducting large-scale emergency management and preparedness planning throughout the United States. Last but not least is Minx, the owner of Tactical Flying. Minx manages day-to-day operations while playing an active role in training and development. A sworn officer for nearly 20 years with San Diego Police Department, Minx was assigned to SDPD’s Air Support Unit as a TFO in 2012, and has since become certified as a helicopter pilot. He has over 3,000 combined hours working both seats in an aircraft, and continues to hone his skills as a tactical operator and a cooperative member of an aircrew. In particular, Minx has always been fascinated by the study of suspect behavior. Using incident videos and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) finds, he compiles data to track patterns of movement in fleeing suspects, and applies this information toward the continuous improvement of techniques and training in suspect searches. As part of Tactical Flying, Minx has provided instruction to tactical flight operators in both domestic and international settings, with clients ranging from military and law enforcement officers to federal agencies. These great gentlemen are all also co-hosts on The Hangar Z Podcast, so look out for episodes where they share their knowledge and passion for the industry.Thank you to our sponsors Bell, CNC Technologies and Dallas Avionics. 

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts! This episode was recorded live from the floor of HAI Heli-Expo in Anaheim in March 2024, where we were able to interview the HAI Salute to Excellence Pilot of the Year Award recipient Mike Sagely. Sagely's path to becoming a decorated pilot isn’t typical. After a successful college volleyball career that even included a stint on the U.S. Olympic volleyball team, Sagely enlisted in the U.S. Army in his mid-20s. His talent and dedication shone through immediately. He excelled in flight school, becoming a distinguished graduate, where he began flying the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Sagely's impressive military career spanned 22 years. He served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, later joining the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment where he flew special combat missions. His bravery earned him seven Air Medals, a Bronze Star, and countless valuable experiences. After retiring from the Army, Sagely continued his service by becoming a contract fire pilot and later joining the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. In 2009, he joined the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD), where his leadership and abilities led to a swift promotion to senior pilot. His heroism during rescues and lifesaving missions has been recognized at LA County Fire with two valor awards and three separate rescue awards from Sikorsky. Sagely's dedication extends beyond flying. He credits his success to strong mentors throughout his career and actively mentors others, pushing them to grow and excel.  His leadership and mentorship are invaluable assets to the LA County Fire and the public safety aviation community as a whole. Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing and CNC Technologies. 

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts! In this three part series, we sit down to talk with Deb Dickerson.A decorated former LAPD officer, Tactical Flight Officer and pilot. Deb Dickerson thrives on a life filled with challenge and passion. Born and raised in the tight-knit community of Guttenberg, Iowa (population 1,500), Deb developed a competitive spirit through sports like softball, basketball, and track. A pivotal moment came in 1984 during a vacation to Los Angeles for the Olympic Trials. Setting eyes on the city and experiencing her first airplane ride, Deb fell in love with flying. With unwavering determination, she traded her Midwestern roots for the California sunshine, starting a career in retail while harboring dreams of becoming a pilot. Driven by a desire for service, Deb's path took her to law enforcement. She joined the ranks of the LAPD in the late 1980s, where she become a respected officer. Her diverse career encompassed roles in Hollywood patrol, Vice, and the MTA Task Force, she even had an opportunity to ghostwrite for the Mayor and Chief of Police. A natural leader, Deb broke barriers as the first female Chief TFO (Tactical Flight Officer) in LAPD Air Support.  For eight years Deb served as a tactical flight officer, she was then the chief TFO for two years before being selected as a pilot.  Witnessing the aftermath of 9/11 firsthand, Deb actively participated in peer counseling efforts. Retirement in 2017 proved short-lived. Missing the thrill of flight, Deb returned to aviation in the Los Angeles basin as a news helicopter pilot. Thank you to our sponsors Collins Aerospace Goodrich Hoist and Winch, Garmin and Precision Aviation Group.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts!In this three-part series, we sit down to talk with Deb Dickerson.A decorated former LAPD officer, Tactical Flight Officer and pilot. Deb Dickerson thrives on a life filled with challenge and passion. Born and raised in the tight-knit community of Guttenberg, Iowa (population 1,500), Deb developed a competitive spirit through sports like softball, basketball, and track. A pivotal moment came in 1984 during a vacation to Los Angeles for the Olympic Trials. Setting eyes on the city and experiencing her first airplane ride, Deb fell in love with flying. With unwavering determination, she traded her Midwestern roots for the California sunshine, starting a career in retail while harboring dreams of becoming a pilot. Driven by a desire for service, Deb's path took her to law enforcement. She joined the ranks of the LAPD in the late 1980s, where she become a respected officer. Her diverse career encompassed roles in Hollywood patrol, Vice, and the MTA Task Force, she even had an opportunity to ghostwrite for the Mayor and Chief of Police. A natural leader, Deb broke barriers as the first female Chief TFO (Tactical Flight Officer) in LAPD Air Support.  For eight years Deb served as a tactical flight officer, she was then the chief TFO for two years before being selected as a pilot.  Witnessing the aftermath of 9/11 firsthand, Deb actively participated in peer counseling efforts. Retirement in 2017 proved short-lived. Missing the thrill of flight, Deb returned to aviation in the Los Angeles basin as a news helicopter pilot. Thank you to our sponsors Wysong, Technisonic and Robinson Helicopters.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts! In this three-part series, we sit down to talk with Deb Dickerson.Dickerson is a decorated former Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer, tactical flight officer (TFO) and pilot who thrives in a life filled with challenge and passion. Born and raised in the tight-knit community of Guttenberg, Iowa (population 1,500), Deb developed a competitive spirit through sports like softball, basketball and track. A pivotal moment came in 1984 during a vacation to Los Angeles for the Olympic Trials. Setting eyes on the city and experiencing her first airplane ride, Dickerson fell in love with flying. With unwavering determination, she traded her Midwestern roots for the California sunshine, starting a career in retail while harboring dreams of becoming a pilot. Driven by a desire for service, Dickerson’s path took her to law enforcement. She joined the ranks of the LAPD in the late 1980s, where she become a respected officer. Her diverse career encompassed roles in Hollywood patrol, Vice, and the MTA Task Force; she even had an opportunity to ghostwrite for the mayor and chief of police. A natural leader, Dickerson broke barriers as the first female Chief TFO in LAPD Air Support. For eight years, Dickerson served as a tactical flight officer; she was then the chief TFO for two years before being selected as a pilot. Witnessing the aftermath of 9/11 firsthand, Dickerson actively participated in peer counseling efforts. Retirement in 2017 proved short-lived. Missing the thrill of flight, Dickerson returned to aviation in the Los Angeles basin as a news helicopter pilot. Thank you to our sponsors Technisonic, MD Helicopters and CNC Technologies